NTSC 720 X 480 4:3??? This format isn't' actually 4:3...

I've come across some confusion in terms of exporting the proper 4:3 format for viewing on TV. Why does it label the format 'NTSC' when really it is not 4:3 and in fact stretches your video to fit that ratio?
It ends up bringing the video down to 640 X 480 but not without distorting it first.
Any answers? Ideas?

If you are creating video for standard definition broadcast (or DVD distribution) you must maintain a 720 x 480 rectangular pixel image. That specification hasn't and will never change (for reverse compatibility purposes).
If you are creating for high definition you need to research which format is required, there are high def specs that use rectangular pixels for distribution and convert to square for display.

Similar Messages

IDVD 08 insist to transform NTSC 720 x 480 files in 640 x 480!!!

iDVD 08 insist to burn NTSC 720 x 480 files in 640 x 480
And of course smaller with a black box…
I've tried everything in vain.
It's the same If I select widescreen or 4/3 menus…
My files are mp4 H.264 files.
I'm quite desperate since I don't get WHY iDVD wants that DVDs look like 50 years old TV shows !
I looked at the forum and couldn't find any info relative to this problem.
I wonder if it's the fact that these files are Progressive. But I thought iDVD took care of it…
This is a full description of a file I use:
* MediaInfo Mac // Plain text file report
General / Container Stream # 1
Total Video Streams for this File -> 1
Total Audio Streams for this File -> 1
Video Codecs Used -> AVC
Audio Codecs Used -> AAC LC
File Format -> MPEG-4
Play Time -> 16mn 50s
Total File Size -> 1.76 GiB
Total Stream BitRate -> 14.9 Mbps
Video Stream # 1
Codec (Human Name) -> AVC
Codec (FourCC) -> avc1
Codec Profile -> [email protected]
Frame Width -> 720 pixels
Frame Height -> 480 pixels
Frame Rate -> 29.970 fps
Total Frames -> 30283
Display Aspect Ratio -> 1.500
Video Standard -> NTSC
Scan Type -> Progressive
Colorimetry -> 4:2:0
Codec Settings (Summary) -> 2 Ref Frames
QF (like Gordian Knot) -> 1.418
Codec Settings (CABAC) -> No
Video Stream Length -> 16mn 50s 443ms
Video Stream BitRate -> 14.7 Mbps
Video Stream BitRate Mode -> VBR
Bit Depth -> 24 bits
Video Stream Size -> 1.73 GiB (98%)
Video Stream Language -> English
Date of Original Encoding -> UTC 2008-12-14 20:24:26
Audio Stream # 1
Codec -> AAC
Codec (FourCC) -> 40
Audio Stream Length -> 16mn 50s 112ms
Audio Stream BitRate -> 256 Kbps
Audio Stream BitRate Mode -> CBR
Number of Audio Channels -> 2
Audio Channel's Positions -> L R
Sampling Rate -> 48.0 KHz
Bit Depth -> 16 bits
Audio Stream Size -> 30.8 MiB (2%)
Audio Stream Language -> English
Date of Original Encoding -> UTC 2008-12-14 20:24:26
Thanks in advance for any help!
m

A TV uses rectangular pixels: 720x480.
A computer uses square pixels. So, those same pixels (720x480) are actually 640x480 and a computer. So this is normal.
The quality of your DVDs would be a separate and subjective issue. However, I can suggest that you NOT use H.264 (very compressed format) as the format for iDVD (which does it's own compression) to work with. I would give iDVD a DV or AIC file.
Mike

[Missing] Firewire NTSC (720 x 480) option

This happened in 2 edit suites. I fixed it in edit 1 by resetting PRAM and trashing prefs. Edit 2 won't see it.
I can capture via Firewire from this deck (Sony M35U), so I obviously have a connection. System Profiler shows the deck and all its info, so it's obviously recognized by the computer. If I capture via the AJA, I can still set deck control over Firewire, so it's obviously THERE.
Yet, when I go to View/Video Output, it's not even an option. I don't even get the [Missing] Firewire NTSC 720 x 480 option. It's just not there. I have all the AJA options, but not the FIrewire ones. Anyone seen this disappear like that?
Tried:
Resetting PRAM several times
Trashing prefs (all of 'em)
Disconnecting all cables and reconnecting
Checked all of the settings on the deck several times
Changed Firewire cable twice
WOndering if this is an AJA conflict, but it works now in the other edit suite, which is a clone of this one. Weird and frustrating.
Haven't tried setting up a new user yet, gonna try that now. If you have a clue, please clue me in…

All the settings were exactly the same. I changed nothing. It was a weird experience, but on a whim I decided to simply swap the decks in the rooms, wondering if there was some corrupt communication from the decks via the Firewire. Seems that was the case, because once I switched rooms, everything worked. Glad it worked out, because I was about to send the decks in for repair, having tested the ports, the Firewire cables, and FCP, and all came out working fine. Can't explain it, but it works.
Thanks.

FCP X transcoding Sony HDR-FX7 (1080i) to NTSC 720 x 480. Results are not pretty.

Help, please? I shot some interview footage for my student documentary film with a Sony HDR-FX7 (1080i). FCP X transcodes it to NTSC 720 x 480 on import and it looks awful. Have now learned the difference between interlaced and progressive!. The film project has 1080p footage as well and won't deinterlace in Compressor or JES. Not sure what to do: can't reshoot. I've spent hours on Google and YouTube and can't find a solution or a viable workaround. Would welcome your help; thanks!

I don't know what you're doing but there is no way FCP imports that media to 720x480, unless the camera is set to downconvert on output. iLink has to be switched off.

Using NTSC 720 X 480 Templates for HD 1440 X 1080

Okay so I'd like to use an NTSC template for an HD project. Is there any way of doing this? I have Motion 3 and it only offers SD versions of the template I want to use.
Is there a way to convert a 720 X 480 template to HD 1440 X 1080 ?
Message was edited by: polarbearski

Thanks for the reply TCY. I can't confirm whether your instructions are correct or not. I decided to outsource this project and ended up finding a guy who has agreed to create the slides for me for just $150. Can't beat that. (I'm a producer not a post production guy.) Hopefully someone will be able to make use of your advice at a later time.
Best Regards,
Polarbearski

Uprezing from 720 x 480 to an HD format?

Is there a way in CS6 to uprez SD footage from 720x480 to either 1,280×720 pixels or 1,920×1,080? I want to place some SD footage into an HD sequence. What is the best way to do this?
Thanks.

I'm trialling Boris FX Uprez plug-in for AE/PR - as I have some WW2 footage of HMS Hood that need to go into an HD programme.
I find that it's more effective in AE than PR but the old adage "garbage in: garbage out" does hold true!
There is also Red Giant Instant HD plug-in.
...or, if it's interlaced, try Red Giant Resizer in AE - bundled with Instant HD.

[Missing] Apple FireWire NTSC (720 x 480)

Everything is properly hooked up, so I shouldn't be receiving this problem correct?
I tried hooking up a monitor, as soon as I did that it said the FireWire connection was missing, even though it's hooked up along side the S-Video wire to my tv from the cam.

Did you recently install any updates? Which ones? If you've got Software Update set to automatically look for updates, then you'll need to look in /Library/Receipts and see what's been installed recently and when.
Report back about that, please.
Also, sometimes this problem can be resolved by powering down the computer and the deck or camcorder, then starting up again.
But your G5 is recognizing the device, it just doesn't have it on file, so it just says it's a unknown device. That's good, meaning the problem isn't with the camcorder or VCR, or with the FW cable.
BTW, which camcorder or VCR is this?

In settings it states [Missing] Apple Firewire NTSC (720 x 480)?

Where did it go? How can I get it back?
G5 Tower Mac OS X (10.4.5)

Welcome to the forum.
This means FCP did not find your camera/DV deck when it started. The causes for this can be many. The usual suspects are:
1. You did not have the camera turned on before you started FCP. Try VIEW>REFRESH A/V DEVICES. On some systems, the camera needs to be turned on BEFORE the computer as this operation does not seem to repoll the firewire bus.
2. Your FCP preferences have become corrupt. Download and run FCP Rescue.
3. Your Quicktime installation has become compromised due to system, quicktime or FCP upgrades. This is often solved by a reinstall of Quicktime after deleting any Quicktime receipts in the user/receipts folder
4. Your fireports are incapacited. Shut down and unplug all connections. Wait a few minutes and reconnect and reboot.
5. Your firewire cable is damaged. Replace the cable.
6. Firewire ports on either your camera or computer are fried. Time to send the device in for repair.
good luck.
x

720 x 480

When exporting in final cut express. 720 x 480 is actually 640 x 480, it even says in parenthesis. I export in dv/dvcpro ntsc . I have tried exporting in NTSC 720 x 480 4:3 in the size settings, and I have tried custom sizing the file to 720 x 480. I have also tried preserving the aspect ratio by cropping the image. When exported all of the files were the same number of pixels, and under movie properties the exported files say that they are 640 x 480. I capture the footage in dv-ntsc. In final cut pro I followed the same steps, with the same footage, and 720 x 480, is actually 720 x 480, when comparing the files and opening them in quicktime, the size difference is dramatic. How can I get an actual 720 x 480 export in final cut express? Also, Is there a way to change/access the easy set up preferences individually in final cut express?

"I followed the same steps, with the same footage, and 720 x 480, is actually 720 x 480, when comparing the files and opening them in quicktime, the size difference is dramatic. How can I get an actual 720 x 480 export in final cut express?"
I work in NTSC DV. I import it that way from the camera, and export that way (Export as Quicktime Movie) for DVD creation. I work in both FC Pro and Express. Sometimes I have move the same project between both apps. No difference; DV NTSC is 720X480. Looks the same in both apps, works the same.
Maybe it is because you are not exporting as Qucktime Movie but are are using some flavor of Quicktime Conversion. Or maybe its because you aren't import actual DV video.
"Also, Is there a way to change/access the easy set up preferences individually in final cut express? "
Not sure what you mean by this, but you can select DV NTSC from the Easy Setup menu; that is the setup you should be using with your setup.

What's the best quality export for a 720 X 480 size, 24fps mp4 file?

Whats the best quality export for a 720 X 480 size, 24fps mp4 file?
This movie trailer will be sent to a distributer overseas.
The export I been resorting to lately is MPEG 2 DV High Quality as oppose to anything HDTV because it just shrinks the picture, obviously lol
Do I have anymore options besides Mpeg 2: NTSC DV High Quality?

Lagarith is a codec that you install separately. A very brief Search would have given you that info.
You can access the Lagarith option (once installed) using the Microsoft AVI format, and selecting Lagarith under Video Codec in the Video tab.

Mixing 1280 X 720 quicktime files with 720 X 480

I have a question about the best way to mix footage of different resolutions in Final Cut Pro HD? I am working in Tiger 10.4.5 and I will only need to output to standard 720 X 480. I'd like to get all of my material into a consistent size before editing the film. Most of the HD footage is already captured to a Lacie Drive. What's the best way to downconvert this footage?
Thanks for any advice, cj
PowerMac G5 Mac OS X (10.4.5) Final Cut Pro HD

Export with QT Pro to your current format. So from HD to DV/NTSC.
Same to lose all that resolution.
Shane

720 x 480 DV sequence export aspect ratio always wrong. How come?

Finally finished editing one of the sequences and want to export and test it,
But no matter what settings in QuickTime Conversion (or just QuickTime Movie) parameters I do (e.g., Size), the exported file always seems to be in the wrong aspect ratio.
I need to have the resulting movie burned on DVD for showing.
Any tips appreciated.
Sequence settings are 29.97 fps, 720 x 480, DV/DVCPRO NTSC, NTSC CCIR 601, 48 KHz.
Thanks.

Hi guys.
OK, I hate to use the words "I assumed" because you know you are going to get into trouble for saying them! But... I guess this is how the newbies like me learn the difference between assumptions about certain theoretical concepts and their real-world exceptions.
"I assumed" that in FCE/FCP that if I set a sequence's settings in the new "multi-format" timeline, that FCE/FCP would keep that sequence throughout the timeline, and automagically conform whatever clip formats that I put into it, into the sequence's formats. And therefore that I no longer need to worry about the original format of the clips, and just focus on using the sequence's settings as the final assembly format.
(Please advise if this assumption is incorrect).
Thus, my sequence settings above
29.97 fps, 720 x 480, DV/DVCPRO NTSC, NTSC CCIR 601, 48 KHz
combine footage from
1) HDV camcorder imported into iMovie 08 as 960 x 540 (the "lower resolution" option from iMovie '08 import), 16-bit @ 48 KHz (Big Endian), 25 fps
2) AVI files (DiVX 512 x 384, MP3 at 44.1 KHz, 23.98 fps)
The AVI DiVX footage is actually television program recorded content. The HDV footage (converted to 960 x 540 resolution by iMovie) is what I shot myself.
What I am doing is trying to cut in my HDV footage (home video) into the TV show's content to create a humorous entertaining video to show family and friends.
So after editing this thing for the past week, I am now ready to test on the target devices (iPod, DVD).
The edited cut plays fine in FCE's preview.
However, on export, the original TV show's content is in the wrong aspect ratio. That is, it is a bit wider, pulled out horizontally. Not significantly wider (e.g., not like 4:3 pulled to 16:9) but just not in the proper aspect ratio. I can't really tell if the superimposed HDV (that is, 960 x 540, not actually 1080i) footage is pulled out too (most of that is shrunk down or otherwise distorted, in the final assembly).
I have spent two days now exporting to many different formats, etc. but none of them seem to work. I just don't understand why. I would have thought that "forcing" the pixel dimensions using QuickTime Conversion's "Size" option would brute-force ensure the resulting video has the exact required dimensions and thus aspect ratio, but it does not seem to be my result.
Help much appreciated!
Thanks.

720 x 480 preset for FCP?

What preset do I use to work on a movie captured at 720 x 480? When I import into FCP with DV NTSC preset, the aspect ratio is wrong. The movie appears squished into 4:3 format. The movie is for computer display, not TV. I captured the movie from a Google Earth tour, with Snapz Pro, using animation codec, with no audio.

Export works fine. I have a 720x480 movie. So it was just a display problem. No it was a pixel aspect-ratio problem. I must study how that affects my work. I've noticed this type of aspect ratio display problem with several movies on YouTube, for example. Another problem I've now noticed with the Snapz Pro movie is that it captured at 10 fps, which FCP multiplies to 28.78 fps. But that's another topic. Thanks everyone for your instant help!

720 x 480 vs. 640 x 480, which one to use?

This is not a iMovie specific question, but it is related. I always thought that SD was 640 x 480 and I always format any stills I use for that format. Everything has been fine. 640 x 480 = 4:3. Recently somebody said that you should format for 720 x 480, even for SD. I'm a little confused, SD is 4:3 while 720 x 480 is 3:2. If you use this format will the edges get cut off on a SD TV, or will the image get squished?
Thanks
Chris

where the 720 x 480 came from
For historical resons there is some "extra room" around the video frame. This is the root of all kinds of errors when people calculate aspect ratios:
Standard definition NTSC DV's sampling matrix is 720x480 (that includes the "extra room" around the image although often there is content in all pixels). DV uses rectangular pixels -- the pixel aspect ratio is 4320:4739 = ~0.912. So the pixels aren't square and you have to scale the image to see the correct proportions. iMovie and a TV set do this automatically but sometimes the poor user might see an unscaled image and think something is seriously wrong...
Notice that inside (and outside!) of that 720x480 sampling matrix the actual active picture size is 710.85 x 486. Weird but true.
Now, to see the correct proportions you have to scale rectangular pixels to square pixels. You usually do that by multiplying the horizontal pixel count by the pixel aspect ratio:
So the square pixel horizontal sampling matrix becomes 720 x (4320:4739) = ~656. So you should scale 720x480 to 656x480 to see the correct proportions on a computer monitor.
The same calculation applies also to the actual active picture size: 710.85 x (4320:4739) = 648. So the square pixel actual active picture size is 648x486 which is EXACTLY 4:3!! THAT is the 4:3 ratio we talk about -- not the 640x480 which is just a cropped value of the former weird size.
The same principles apply also to 16:9 ratios.
http://www.iki.fi/znark/video/conversion/

Why does my 720 x 480 clip not fit in my 720 x 480 sequnce? (Black side bars)

Hopefully someone understands, I'm trying to make an edit with some Mini DV Standard Definition footage in Premiere Pro CS5 and Im using a Mac with Lion 10.7.4. All of the clips are .mov and 720 x 480 and I have the sequence set to DV - NTSC 720x 480. I'm noticing that the clips just about fit the frame size except for these thin black bars on the sides. It became more noticeable when I tried using a video transition as seen in the photo below. The bars do not show when watching the clip in quicktime only when in a premiere or in an exported video. This also happens in After Effects as well. Any help on getting rid of these black bars woud be appreciated. Or are they supposed to be there?
(Using the center split video transition)

what additional parameters do I need to give you that would diagnose this problem? Or are you just being a snobby forum dude that has to give the person in need of help a hard time. If you can't help me with the information I've given you probably dont know the answer to my question. How about I rephrase my question. Have you ever seen a problem like this occur, and if so what setting or "parameter" was incorrect that caused this?
I do not mean to seem snobby, but what I am missing is the PAR of the Source Footage. If it's been posted above, then I apologize, as I just did not see it (even on re-reading the thread).
As for my knowing the answer, you could be correct. However, it sounds like there is a mis-match between the PAR in your Sequence, and that of your Source Footage. The "small black lines" sound like the difference between a Sequence PAR of 1.212 (Widescreen non-square pixels) and PAR of 1.0 (square pixels). But, then I could be wrong on that, and it's the reason that I wanted to be able to compare the PAR of the Sequence, and the PAR of the Source Footage. If we rule that out, then we need to look elsewhere for a solution.
Good luck, and sorry if I seemed the least bit snobby, or rude. I am just trying to help you get 100% full screen.
Hunt

NTSC 720 X 480 4:3??? This format isn't' actually 4:3...

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